Eurocopter has announced a new pair of speed records set by its hybrid helicopter demonstrator, the X3. Piloted by Hervé Jammayrac, the X3 reached a level flight speed of 255 knots (472 km/h) over the south of France on June 7, eclipsing the 250 knots (463 km/h) set by Sikorsky's X2 demonstrator back in 2010. The X3 reached 263 knots (487 km/h) several days beforehand, achieved during a dive rather than level flight, also besting the X2's record in descent – by a single knot.

In a company press release, Eurocopter flight test engineer Dominique Fournier, who was aboard the X3 during its record-breaking flight, reveals how the extra performance was eked out of the machine. "These flights allow us to further explore the behavior of main rotors at high speeds, and enable us to make effectiveness assessments of the fairing we've added to the main rotor hub – which will be beneficial for drag optimization across Eurocopter's overall product range," he said.

Otherwise, Eurocopter reports a familiar specification for the aircraft that flew on June 7. Two adapted Rolls-Royce Turbomeca RTM322 turboshaft engines power the X3's five-bladed main rotor and twin propellors mounted on the X3's stumpy fixed wings which differentiate it from the Eurocopter EC155 on which it is based. This is more or less identical to the X3 that notched up 232 knots (430 km/h) in May of 2011.

Still, it's clear Eurocopter was keen to squeeze every drop of performance out of its technological demonstrator, which, judging by the press material, it is pitching as an sensible choice for search and rescue, border patrol, passenger transportation or special forces military operations.

However, having amassed more than 140 hours in the air since its maiden flight in September 2010, it's thought that the Eurocopter X3 will retire before the year is out. Aviation Week reports that the X3 may live on in the form of LifeCraft, a high-speed helicopter proposed by the European Commission due to fly in

So far as speed records go, we'll be keeping half on eye on Sikrosky and its S-97 Raider, which has superseded its X2, but is yet to make its maiden flight.

Look out for more aviation coverage from the Paris Air Show this week, where Gizmag is in attendance.

James lives in East London where he punctuates endless tea drinking with freelance writing and meteorological angst. Unlocking Every Extend Extra Extreme’s “Master of Extreme” achievement was the fourth proudest moment of his life. All articles by James HollowayFollow @jamesholloway

The AH-56 Cheyenne hit 244 mph in 1972. Doesn't sound like that much of an inprovement.

VoiceofReason 18th June, 2013 @ 05:44 am PDT

Well the record for non forward thrust (no forward/backward propeller) helicopter is still the Westland Lynx at 249.09 mph set on 12 Aug 1989, I mean they're a hybrid...

Sascha Humphrey 18th June, 2013 @ 07:53 am PDT

So they are streamlining, this bit and that bit to go a bit faster. Why bother ??? ... just go and buy a STOL plane.

jeronimo 18th June, 2013 @ 04:17 pm PDT

An airspeed of 255 knots is equal to 293 mph, so that isn't that far away from the V-22 Osprey's top speed of 275 knots, 316 mph. This V-22 top speed measurement was achieved at sea level though, so one wonders what altitude the X3 was at, how long 255 knots was sustained for, and how did the X3 behave at this speed? I wouldn't expect it to be able to go much faster, due to the increasing drag inherent in the helicopter configuration.

Kiwibird 18th June, 2013 @ 06:09 pm PDT

Will the propellors only work while it is in the air or will they be killing everyone who walks into them on the tarmac? What happens when there is an engine failure one side? Dead weight at least... Isn't putting extra engines just asking for higher maintenance bills and a greater chance of breaking down?

Mitko Ian 18th June, 2013 @ 11:54 pm PDT

"I wouldn't expect it to be able to go much faster, due to the increasing drag inherent in the helicopter configuration".